The Beat Goes On

The Complete Rebus Stories

By: Ian Rankin

Narrated by: James Macpherson

There is no detective like Ian Rankin's Detective Inspector John Rebus, a man The New Yorker calls "the ideal sleuth."

Brilliant, irascible and frequently frustrating to both his friends and his long-suffering bosses, John Rebus has made the dark places of Edinburgh his home for over two decades. The Beat Goes On collects all of Ian Rankin's Rebus short stories for the first time, including two never-before published tales written specifically for this collection.

From his beginnings as a young Detective Constable in Dead and Buried right up to his dramatic, but not quite final, retirement in The Very Last Drop, Rebus shines in these stories, confirming his status as one of crime fiction's most compelling, brilliant, and unforgettable characters. In these gripping, fast-paced tales, the legendary Scottish detective investigates the sinister cases that are his specialty, including a gruesome student death, the brutal murder of a woman at the crux of a love triangle, an audacious jewel heist, suspicious happenings at a nursing home, and an ominous email that brings a family's darkest secrets to light.

The Beat Goes On is the ultimate Ian Rankin treasure trove -- a must-have book for crime fiction aficionados and a superb introduction for anyone looking to experience DI John Rebus, and the dark, twist-filled crimes he investigates.

Critic reviews

PRAISE FOR STANDING IN ANOTHER MAN'S GRAVE:

"Rankin bangs out a rich, rowdy prose...Rebus has become one of the great modern cops, a kind of Scottish cousin to Michael Connelly's Harry Bosch."—Patrick Anderson, Washington Post

"John Rebus remains one of crime fiction's crankiest, most interestingly complex figures....We can rejoice in Rebus's return--the mean streets of Edinburgh are better for it."—Adam Woog, Seattle Times

"Absorbing....Rankin is a master of the mystery universe."—Carole E. Barrowman, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

"Rebus remains as fascinatingly complex and gruffly engaging as ever. Retirement will not suit him, or Rankin's readers."—Dan DeLuca, Philadelphia Inquirer

PRAISE FOR SAINTS OF THE SHADOW BIBLE


"Longtime fans of the series will savor every nuance in the subtle interplay between characters here, but Rankin doesn't forget the thriller plot, either, corkscrewing the narrative into a surprising and satisfying conclusion. Hats off to a writer who can keep a long-running series fresh by upsetting our expectations and rummaging ever deeper into the rag-and-bone shop of his characters' hearts."—Booklist

"[There is] real joy in watching Fox and Rebus dance around each other, acknowledging a burgeoning respectful rapport in spite of themselves, while the ace Siobhan Clarke - more please, Mr. Rankin! - shoulders new responsibilities."—Boston Globe

"Ian Rankin issuch a practiced and successful writer...If anything, he is at the top of his game, and Saints of the Shadow Bible is one of the best novels he has produced."—BookReporter

"Rankin shows no signs of losing steam with John Rebus...his interaction with Malcolm Fox works to build empathy for both characters, as fans discover a side of Fox not seen before...Rankin's gift with dialogue, his wit and raw examination of human nature continue to intensify, resulting in a resonant reading experience for both seasoned series devotees and new Rebus recruits."—Shelf Awareness

"This might be the best detective novel of the year."—Dayton Daily News

Awesome Narrator!

Where does The Beat Goes On rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Top marks for this collection of short mystery stories.

What other book might you compare The Beat Goes On to and why?

Reminds me a tad of Sherlock Holmes.

Which scene was your favorite?

Author enables reader to solve most mysteries!

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Rebel Rebus Returns

Any additional comments?

James Macpherson is now my favorite narrator!!! He's absolutely fabulous!!

Great collection of short stories

What made the experience of listening to The Beat Goes On the most enjoyable?

I love well written short stories. And this is a collection of very well written short stories.

What did you like best about this story?

This is a collection of stories so I will chose one "The Dean Curse". Nicely done with a nice plot twist.

Great collection, best narrator

James MacPherson is the best narrator I've ever heard on here. Many claim they can do different accents but overreach themselves. James MacPherson not only can, but blows the rest out of the water.

My absolute favourite Rebus

I've listened to this at least half a dozen times. Ian Rankin is an amazing story teller. James MacPherson is one of the best narrators I've listened to.

Rankin Rules as Rebus

What did you love best about The Beat Goes On?

As always, Rebus was great. Here you get a series of short stories so a little extra variety. I enjoyed it as always,

Excellent enjoyment!

At first I did not think I could listen to the story due to the accents, but stuck with if for a few stories and was hooked. Glad I listened to it all.

Ian Rankin at his finest

Allows you to lose yourself in a world that is well fleshed out with characters that are three dimensional and likable. Narrator adds to the ambiance.

Very entertaining

I enjoyed all the different aspects of the stories, the twists, the humor, the different subjects and plots. I’m still chuckling over the last line in one story. James Macpherson is an excellent narrator. This is an entertaining and enjoyable collection. Some stories better than others but all interesting and worth listening to.

Wonderful from start to finish.

Five stars is not enough.

Not only would I recommend this book to friends, it'll be listened to again and again

Great listen beginning to end

I love experiencing of the meeting of character and the various relationships. I especially enjoyed the last chapter about and narrator by the author. It have me a greater appreciation of the stories and of a writer's journey.